WASHINGTON, August 28, 2008 (AFP) - The United States on Thursday welcomed China's apparent reluctance to support Russia's action recognizing the independence of two Georgian secessionist regions.

'It was not what I would call an endorsement of Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia,' State Department spokesman Robert Wood said, referring to a joint statement by China and other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) regional summit in the Tajik capital Dushanbe.

China and four Central Asian nations voiced support Thursday for Russia's 'active role' in resolving the conflict in Georgia.

In the joint declaration, the six countries called for respect for the concept of 'territorial integrity' -- although they did not specifically refer to Georgia.

The West accuses Russia of violating Georgia's territorial integrity in recognizing the independence of the rebel territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

'I think the fact that you haven't seen some countries come forth and recognize these two parts of Georgia's territory, is a significant sign,' Wood told reporters.

'Clearly there is unhappiness at what Russia did and most countries think that Georgia's territorial integrity must be upheld,' he said.

China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan set up the SCO in 2001 to counter NATO influence in the strategic Central Asia region.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met Chinese President Hu Jintao in Dushanbe on the eve of the summit and informed him of the situation in Georgia.

Beijing also said Wednesday it was 'concerned' and called for 'dialogue and consultation' to resolve the issue.

Medvedev had claimed backing from China and the four Central Asian states for Russia's actions in Georgia and said their support should send a 'serious signal' to the West.

'I am sure that the united position of the SCO member states will have international resonance,' Medvedev said.